What Causes Excessive Sweating Followed By Nausea, Vomiting And Lightheadedness?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: I have been having spells of excessive sweating followed by nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness. I am taking 2 antibiotics for an infection from a dog scratch. I am 77 years old, have no heat problems, no HBP and do have d Type2 diabetes. When the spell is over my stomach is shaking and I have bad diarrhea. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more information and consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I appreciate your concern
Here, I would like further information for better assessment like
what all antibiotics you are taking?
Since how long you have this problem?
What all medicine you are taking for diabetes?

Your symptoms might be related to side effects of antibiotics you are taking for dog scratch
In my opinion you should take anti acidity medicines like pantoprazole or ranitidine group of drugs with antacids.
You should take probiotics, curd and yoghurt for bad diarrhoea
you should take plenty of fluids including ORS to counter dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Sweating and light headedness is a matter of concern which might be related to electrolytic imbalances caused by diarrhoea or low blood sugar level or a heart problem

In my opinion you should visit nearest emergency room for recording of blood pressure, checking of blood sugar and an ECG.

Hope this answers your question
Please write back to me with the details I have asked for, so that I will be able to tell you more accurately
Waiting for your reply
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (11 hours later)

The antibiotics I am taking are Cephalexin 500 mg. caps 3x/day and Sulfamethoxazole-TMP D 800-160 Tabs 2x/day. I really have not been drinking a lot of water. I also have positional vertigo and have been taking Meclizine for that dizziness and lightheadiness. I checked with my cardiologist and he said he didn't think it had anything to do with my heart. My blood pressure is 128/81and my sugar level was high this morning 145.
I don't take medicine for the diabetes, I have been controlling it with my diet.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome again and thanks for the details
Nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness might be related to both the antibiotics as both can cause these problems as a side effects.

In my opinion you should go for GTT and glycosylated hemoglobin tests for further evaluation for high blood sugar levels.

You should drink plenty of fluids including ORS, fruit juices and fresh lemon water.
Keep yourself well hydrated and active.
You should take probiotics to strengthen the useful intestinal microorganisms.
Anti acidity medicines like pantoprazole or ranitidine group of drugs with antacid or anti emetics like domperidone will definitely help you.

Hope this answers your question
Please feel free to ask for further clarification I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar